Cristián Zapata

Cristián Eduardo Zapata Valencia (born 30 September 1986 in Padilla, Cauca) is a Colombian professional footballer. He currently plays for Serie A club Milan as a defender. A quick and physically powerful defender, known for his hard marking of opponents and strength in the air, he usually plays as a centre back. Although naturally right footed, he can also play as a full-back on either side of the pitch, as he is comfortable with both feet. In May 2013, Zapata signed a contract with his current club, Milan, until 2016.

A Colombian international since 2008, he has represented his nation at the 2011 Copa America and the 2014 World Cup.

Udinese

Zapata was signed by Udinese on 31 August 2005 from Deportivo Cali, along with team-mate Abel Aguilar. Both of them were scouted by Udinese while playing at the U-20 World Cup. On 18 September 2006, Zapata signed a new five-year contract. That season he started 35 Serie A games. Cristián Zapata employed Claudio Pasqualin (of P.D.P. srl) as his agent on 21 February 2006, but fired him on 9 July 2007. In 2009 the Tribunale Nazionale di Arbitrato per lo Sport awarded Pasqualin eligible to receive €38,900 as agent fee that Zapata owed Pasqualin (5% of annual salary times 2 seasons, 2006–07 and 2007–08).

In October 2007, Zapata along with Andrea Dossena, Roman Eremenko and Simone Pepe was awarded new contracts until June 2012.

In June 2008, Zapata was injured and missed 6 months.

In the 2009–10 season, Zapata usually played as central defender, partnered with Andrea Coda.

Villarreal

After the 2010–11 season, Cristián Zapata claimed that many top European clubs were interested in signing him. He has since stated "I do not know what to say, I can say that I am very close to a deal happening". Zapata signed for Villarreal CF on 12 July 2011. On Wednesday 17 August 2011, in the 2011–12 season, Cristián Zapata made his debut against Udinese in a Champions League qualifier.

Milan

In August 2012, Villarreal announced that Zapata has left the club to join Milan on a season-long loan.

Zapata made headline news in the Champions league against Spanish giants Barcelona. With Milan's opening in a 2–0 victory of the first leg, the ball was deflected on to his hand and landed in front of Kevin-Prince Boateng who scored a goal seconds later. The referee did not judge it an attempted touch of the ball but allowed Boateng's goal to be counted while Zapata was credited with an 'assist'. The replay showed the ball making contact with his face. In his first Milan derby against Inter Milan, Zapata was praised for his defending and for playing a key role in counter-attacks. In 2013, Zapata signed a contract with Milan until summer 2016.

In January 2015, Zapata suffered an injury keeping him sidelined for two months. Upon recovery, he featured as an unused substitute.

On 5 February 2017, Zapata was named as captain in his first league game of the season, a 0-1 home defeat against Sampdoria, due to the absence of team captain Riccardo Montolivo and third captain Mattia De Sciglio because of injuries. Vice-captain Ignazio Abate later appeared in the game as a substitute with Zapata keeping the captain's armband.

On 15 April 2017, Zapata scored an equalizer in the Milan derby against Inter Milan at the 97th minute. The match resulted in a 2-2 draw. It was also the first Milan game under the ownership of Rossoneri Sport Investment, headed by Li Yonghong, with Zapata giving away his jersey as a gift to the Chinese entrepreneur soon after the final whistle.

Brazil's Fred competing Colombia's Zapata (in the middle) and Juan Cuadrado for the ball in the quarter-finals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup

Zapata was a member of Colombian U-20 team that won the 2005 South American Youth Championship and the team that played at 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship, who lost to Argentina in the round of 16. Zapata was unavailable in the first 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification match.

In the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification match, Zapata finally got his first spot chance since under new coach Jose Pekerman against South American leaders Argentina. In the 26th minute, while defending the ball inside Colombia's box from Gonzalo Higuaín, Higuain fell to the side while losing balance and kicked the thigh of Zapata in anger. In reaction, Zapata questioned him and kicked him back, resulting in him receiving a red card along with Higuain. Zapata was later criticized for not controlling himself and allowing the referee to give Higuain the red card while simply walking away, which would have allowed Colombia an 11 men advantage over a 10 men Argentina.

Zapata's aunt Limbaina Zapata was kidnapped on 1 May 2013. The kidnappers demanded $150 million in ransom. The following day, the National Police of Colombia located the thieves in Miranda, Cauca, Colombia, and Limbaina Zapata was released with no harm.

Club

International

National team	Season	Apps	Goals
Colombia	2007	1	0
	2008	4	0
	2009	7	0
	2010	2	0
	2011	1	0
	2012	1	0
	2013	4	0
	2014	9	0
	2015	10	0
	2016	7	1
	2017	2	0
Total		48	1

International goals

International goals by date, venue, cap, opponent, score, result and competition

No.	Date	Venue	Cap	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	3 June 2016	Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, United States	42	United States	1–0	2–0	2016 Copa América

Club

• Supercoppa Italiana: 2016

International

• South American Youth Championship (1): 2005

• Copa América: Third place 2016